Your money matters : your money, your way.

1
Your Money Matters
Your money, Your Way2
Welcome to Your Money, Your Way.
You deal with money every day–whether it’s paying bills or just
worrying about having enough. You already know what you should
be doing: budgeting, saving and using credit wisely. The question
is, how can you manage your money when it seems like you never
have money to manage?
We recognize there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But we can help
you build habits that take the guesswork, worry and stress out of
dealing with money. Taking control of your finances is about trying
new things and finding out what works for you.
In this booklet, you’ll follow the story of Crystal, a single mom with
three kids and plenty of worries. Crystal is a fictional character
but the challenges she faces are inspired by the stories we hear
everyday from real people. Join Crystal as she faces her challenges
and takes control of her finances. Along the way, check out the tips,
tricks and resources we’ve included to help you make the most of
what you have.
“The safest way to double your money
is to fold it over once and put it in your
pocket.”
Kin Hubbard
3
If there was such a thing as rock bottom, Crystal had found it at the age of
29. As she sat in the park watching her three children play, it seemed as
though she had no choices.
She could blame it on her husband leaving 10 years ago. She could blame
it on the boyfriend who left six months ago. She could blame it on the
economy, causing the manufacturing plant where she worked to close
down.
But really, it just felt like a lack of choices. Crystal thought that payday loans
were a good choice, but now her credit was so bad that she couldn’t buy a
car to get a job in the city.
She had tried to save money, but her month-to-month lease kept going up.
The kids always seemed to need something. Things were always breaking.
There had to be a better way, but Crystal couldn’t find it.
When her boyfriend left, he didn’t just take his things. He also left with her
Social Security number and what was left of her last paycheck.
So what choice did Crystal have? Creating a budget was a joke since there
wasn’t even anything to put in the income column.
But what if she did have choices? What if, at the end of the month, she could
move to the other side of town? From there, she could walk to the local
community college. She could apply for financial aid—they wouldn’t look at
her credit scores. Maybe Nana would watch the kids while she’s in class
and she could buy her books secondhand. She’d heard of people doing it.
Yes, even people with three children.
Suddenly, Crystal stood up from her park bench and hollered at her kids.
She marched them down the street toward their small, two bedroom rental.
She had some things to do. There were always choices, she thought. It’s not
always easy, but she always had choices.
Choices
Getting an Education
Crystal knows that having tough choices isn’t the
same as having no choices at all. One positive way
to improve a financial situation is to improve your
skills. The higher your level of education, the higher
your earning potential. Take a moment to imagine
your future.
What are some things you’d like to do if
money wasn’t an issue?
What skills do you already have that could
help you get there?
What additional skills do you need to help
you reach your goal?
Where could you learn those skills?
Need to finish a
degree? You have
choices, too! Check
out Reach Higher!
4
in threes
Normally, the fridge breaking down would’ve been a major disaster for Crystal.
But today, she was in a pretty good mood. After all, the kids were at grandma’s,
she had paid down some of her debts and managed to put away a little money.
Just enough, in fact, to pay for a new refrigerator.
Since she had saved nearly $700, Crystal was sure she could even afford an ice
maker. The salesman led her to the models in her price range and she picked a
shiny black one.
While she was filling out delivery paperwork, she told the salesman her fridge
had died and if she hadn’t saved her money, they would’ve lost a lot of food.
“Yep, same thing happened to me about six months ago,” the salesman said.
“Not long after, my pipes burst and then I got two flat tires. Bad things always
seem to happen in threes, don’t they?”
Crystal’s good mood began to fade. “Let’s hope not,” she replied.
The next day, the fridge arrived. Crystal was sure the kids would be excited but
when Sarah walked in the door, she couldn’t even muster a smile. Crystal knew
that look well. Sarah was sick. And that meant an expensive trip to the doctor.
By the time they returned home from the doctor, complete with prescriptions and
a strep throat diagnosis, Crystal had spent another $150. Since there was nothing
left in savings, this had to come from the money she had for rent.
As if that wasn’t enough, Crystal was running late for class when she realized
her bus pass was missing. That would cost her another $50. Suddenly, she
remembered what the salesman said. Everything happened in threes.
But what if all this had happened two months from now? That would be two
months of additional savings she would’ve had. She still would’ve had to spend
the money, but she would’ve been prepared.
Right then, Crystal vowed to save as much money as she could each month so
these types of emergencies wouldn’t be quite so stressful.
Practical Saving Tips
When the bills are piled up and you’re barely making
ends meet, saving might be the last thing on your
mind. Paying yourself first could be the solution you’re
looking for. Saving for emergencies can help you put
out fires without feeling like you’re getting burned.
Whether it’s $5 a week or $10 a month, every little bit
you can put away will help you build wealth and get
ahead. Remember, it’s still your money and if you
need it, it’ll be there for you.
Practical Saving Tips 5
• Visit FreeCycle.org to find good household, recreational and
children’s items for free!
• Drink more water; it’s cheaper than soda and better for you.
• Give gifts of time rather than money. You don’t have to
spend cash to show people you care.
• Make bill payments on time to avoid late fees – this is
great for your credit score, too!
• Avoid payday lending and cash advance
businesses.
• Visit resale stores like Salvation Army, Goodwill or
consignment shops. Not only can you find great
gently-used items, but some things are brand-new
with the tags still attached.
• Learn how to feed a family of four for only $30 per
week by visiting AngelFoodMinistries.com.
• Consider swapping items with your friends or family if
you want something new but don’t have the money.
What they’re tired of may be just what
you’d love to have.
Theft. Fires. Tornadoes. Losing money
is tough, especially when it’s your
savings. The only way to ensure your
money is safe is to put it in a bank.
If you don’t have a good relationship
with your bank, now is a great time
to start fixing it! Contact your
bank and let them help you
get back in good standing
so you can be sure your
money is protected.
How to
STRETCH
your dollar
“If you would be
wealthy, think of saving
as well as getting.”
Benjamin Franklin
Turn a hobby into cash! If
you have a natural talent for
baking, sewing, jewelry-making
or anything else that
could bring in extra money,
consider taking it to the next
level by turning it into a fun
way to increase your income.
6
Crystal’s son, Michael, struggled to focus on the math worksheets in front
of him. Crystal had asked Michael to keep an eye on his sisters while she
did the bills. The loud giggling and squealing of Hannah and Sarah was
enough to distract him from his homework. But that wasn’t all that he had
on his mind. At 13, hanging with his younger sisters wasn’t exactly Michael’s
favorite thing to do, but it gave Mom a break. Mom was much nicer if she got
a break.
Michael needed Crystal in a good mood, since he was planning to ask her
to sign his permission slip to go to the zoo with his class next month. The
permission slip was due next week, along with $20 he knew they couldn’t
afford. But he didn’t want to be left behind again.
With a sigh, Michael put down his pencil. Realizing that his math homework
would have to wait, he wandered into the kitchen to talk to his mom.
The kitchen table was barely visible through the pile of folded papers and
unopened envelopes. His mother was hunched over her calculator, with her
head in her hands.
“Mom?” he asked.
Crystal jumped and wiped her face. Michael heard her sniffle. “What is it,
Michael? You’re supposed to be watching your sisters.”
“They’re playing Barbies, or something. I have something to ask you—”
Michael stopped. Crystal’s eyes were red and puffy. “Mom, are you crying?”
Crystal smiled and shook her head. “It’s nothing, honey. It’s adult stuff. You
don’t need to worry about it. What do you need?”
Michael looked at the table piled with bills and shrugged. “Nevermind,” he
said and walked to the fridge for a Popsicle.
Kid Stuff
kids and Money
When times are tough, managing
the family budget is everyone’s
responsibility. As parents, our instinct
is to shield children from the family’s
financial struggles. By involving your
kids, you can help them build a sense
of responsibility and teach them how
to avoid making money mistakes.
“Children have never been
very good at listening to their
elders, but they have never
failed to imitate them.”
James Arthur Baldwin
continued on pg. 7
7
Later that afternoon, Crystal’s grandmother, Betty stopped by to
visit. Crystal could never hide her frustrations from Betty so while
the kids played, she confided in her.
“Nana, I don’t know what to do. Jack left me with nothing and I
can’t make ends meet.”
“Oh sweetie, we’ve all been there,” Betty said. “Sometimes life
comes at you. But you just gotta make the right decisions and
keep trying.”
“But how do I know how to make the right decisions?”
“What do you mean? Your mother could stretch a dollar with the
best of them. Didn’t you learn anything from her?”
Crystal shook her head. “No, Momma never really talked much
about money.”
Suddenly, Crystal remembered her earlier conversation with
Michael. Maybe it wasn’t just adult stuff. If her mother had taught
her about money when she was young, maybe she wouldn’t be
struggling now. And maybe she could show her kids a few things
to help them make the right decisions in their lives.
Crystal smiled. “Thanks, Nana! You’ve helped a bunch!”
Betty looked confused. “Well, glad I could help.”
kids and Money
Even young children can begin learning about the three uses for money. This activity is
a great way to interact with your children and help them start to think about money in
a positive way. Start by creating three jars and label them spend, save and share.
Spend
Share
Save
continued from pg 6
Open a
savings
account
starting
around
age 8
Toddlers
can begin
learning
to sort
coins
Make a list of savings goals with your
children and attach it to the jar.
Gather newspaper ads, catalogs and
magazines. Help the kids cut out images of
things they would like to spend money on and
things they would save for. Attach them to each
jar.
Talk about why we share our
money. When family members,
neighbors or church members
have a problem, how can we lend
a helping hand?
CC www.practicalmoneyskills.com/games
CC www.piggybank.disney.go.com
CC www.financialentertainment.org
CC www.orangekids.com
Online Money Games for Kids
8
Uncle Joe wasn’t always reliable, but if he could lend a hand, he’d sure try. So
for the past few months, Uncle Joe had agreed to take Crystal back and forth
from her classes at the local community college.
But today, Uncle Joe dropped the ball. He was supposed to pick Crystal up at
9:30 this morning and by the time she realized he wasn’t going to show, it was
too late to walk to her 10 o’clock class.
Furious, Crystal gave up on going to class and stormed over to Joe’s house
instead. She found him in the kitchen with her grandmother, Betty.
“Uncle Joe! What are you doing? You were supposed to come get me an hour
ago!”
“Sorry, pumpkin,” Joe said with a shrug. “Car’s dead.”
Crystal threw her hands in the air. “Dead? What do you mean dead?”
“Dead. As in a doornail,” Joe replied.
“So, what are you going to do to fix it?”
Joe shrugged again and took a swig of iced tea. “I don’t know.”
Frustrated, Crystal’s voice began to rise. “You don’t know? How am I going to
get to school?”
“I don’t know.”
“Do you have the money to get it fixed?”
“I don’t know.”
She sighed. “Well, maybe I can help with the cost. Do you have any money
coming in soon?”
“I don’t know.”
“Well, what do you know?”
“Car’s dead.”
I Don’t Know Budgeting
Budget
Dirty
isn’t a
Word
How much do you spend on:
soda?
entertainment?
cigarettes?
eating out?
Are your current spending habits lining up with the
spending priorities you listed above?
Now consider where you spend your money.
A budget isn’t meant to stop us from spending on
the items we enjoy. It allows us to make sure we
spend with our goals in mind.
Name your top three spending priorities:
Budgeting 9
If you zone out when you hear the word budget – don’t! Budgets don’t have to
be scary, boring or limiting. Budgeting is just spending your money on paper so
you can see where it’s going and make sure it’s doing what you need it to do!
Know what you’re working with. Figure out exactly how much money is
coming in every month.
Know what’s going out. Write down all your expenses. Don’t forget about
bills that might not be paid monthly, like insurance.
Check your priorities. If you can’t pay for everything, decide what needs
to come first. Are diapers more important than cable? Does gas money
trump cell phone coverage?
There’s more than one way to budget. If working with a paper budget isn’t your thing, consider trying
envelope system. Label envelopes for rent, utilities, eating out, etc. When your paycheck comes in, divide
the cash into the appropriate envelopes. Track your spending, just like you would before starting a paper
budget so you know approximately how much to put in each envelope.
Using envelopes allows you to see at a glance how much money you have. If
you’re going to use this method, you’ll want to protect your cash. Keep your
envelopes in a lock box, available at most stores for around $30.
Some people use envelopes just for the expenses that change every
month, like electric bills, food and fuel. Others, use envelopes for
those spending categories that have a tendancy to get out of hand.
Just remember, when the money’s gone, the money’s gone!
If you’ve got more
expenses than income,
you’ll need to get
creative about where
to cut back. Love
movies? Borrow them
from the library
instead of going to
the theatre.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Visit OklahomaMoneyMatters.org and click on
Financial Planning to print a sample budget.
10 Identity Theft
Crystal stormed into her grandmother’s house where Betty sat with Michael,
Hannah and Sarah. Crystal ordered the kids to go outside and play.
When the kids were out of the room, Crystal blurted, “It’s my dad. He stole my
Social Security number!”
Betty’s mouth dropped. “When? Do you know where he is?”
Crystal shook her head. “No, he did it years ago, when I was just a kid.”
Betty looked confused. Crystal sat down and began to explain. “I just
stopped at that car dealership on the corner. I thought maybe I could finance
a cheap, used car to help me get to class. When they pulled my credit report,
they found collections and charge-offs from the electric company and gas
company. I assumed it was from when Brian used my information a few
years ago.”
“So what does that have to do with your dad?” Betty asked.
“Those charge-offs were from more than 10 years ago, before I turned 18.
It had to be Dad. After he was done ruining his credit and Mom’s credit, he
must’ve started using mine. I had no idea.”
Betty shook her head. “What can you do about it?”
“Not much, unless I file a police report. And I’m just not sure I can do that. I
may not like him, but he’s my father. I don’t want him to go to jail.”
“That just ain’t right,” Betty said. “You shouldn’t have to pay for your father’s
mistakes.”
continued on pg. 11
Mistakes
According to the Federal Trade Commission, most
instances of identity theft are committed by strangers. But
6 percent of identity theft cases involve a friend or family
member. As in Crystal’s case, this makes it difficult to take
the neccessary steps to clean up your credit record. Here
are a few tips to help you prevent identity theft.
Stay Organized. Keep all your bills and
important documents in a lockable drawer or
safe.
Guard your SSN. We all want to trust the
people closest to us. But think carefully about
sharing your Social Security number with
anyone that’s not legally bound to help you pay
off debts.
Check your Credit. In the next few pages,
we’ll show you how to keep tabs on your credit
report to make sure you’re not paying for
somoene else’s mistakes.
Don’t
with your
Gamble
Identity
Identity Theft 11
Crystal nodded. “But now that I know that it can happen I’m going
to make sure it doesn’t happen to my kids.”
“How?” Betty asked.
Crystal slid a brochure across the table to her grandmother. The
title of the booklet read, ‘Ordering a Child’s Credit Report.’ “All I
have to do is write to these three credit reporting agencies with
their name, Social Security number and my name, address and
relationship to the child and they can do a search for any credit
activity. They’ll mail it right to me. If I find something, I can file a
police report and dispute it.
Betty nodded. “Good job, sweetheart. Don’t let this drop. I don’t
want them starting out in life with bad credit.”
Crystal smiled. “They won’t, Nana.”
continued from pg. 10 Victims
spend an
average of
300 hours
resolving
ID Theft.
That’s like
working a
full-time
job for 7.5
weeks.
What should you do if you believe someone has used your
information in a fraudulent or criminal way? Take these steps to get
your credit back on track.
Place a fraud alert on your credit
Contact one of the three credit reporting agencies and place a
temporary fraud alert on your credit. The agency you contact is
required to notify the other two agencies. This alert will last 90 days.
Once you place the alert, you’re entitled to order free
copies of your credit reports. Review them carefully
and make a list of any transactions you did not
initiate.
File a police report
A police report entitles you to:
• a 7-year fraud alert,
• a credit freeze,
• have inaccurate or fraudulent information
blocked from your credit report, and
• receive a copy of all application and
transaction records on accounts opened fraudulently in
your name.
Close Accounts and Change Passwords
Begin contacting banks, credit cards and businesses to close
accounts you believe have been tampered with. Change
passwords or personal identification numbers, and if
necessary, open new accounts. Speak to someone in the
security or fraud department of each company and keep a
detailed log in a spiral bound notebook of all phone calls
you receive or make, including dates, times and names,
titles and badge numbers of anyone you speak with.
Identity
Take
Back
Your
12
For Crystal, things seemed to be looking up. She was almost finished with
her associate degree in veterinary science which would allow her to become
a veterinary technician. She already had her resume in at several veterinary
offices near her house. She had also managed to save up enough money for a
down payment on a car.
Crystal was sharing these positive achievements with her grandmother over
coffee one afternoon when the phone rang. As Crystal talked, Betty watched
her granddaughter’s face fall, her voice grow thin and her hand curl into a fist.
When the conversation ended, she slammed the phone onto the hook and sat
back down at the table.
“What is it, Crystal?” Grandma Betty asked.
“It’s them again, Nana,” Crystal said, fighting back tears. “They say if I don’t pay
these debts, I’m going to collections. They say I owe them $1,500. We wouldn’t
have borrowed the money if HE hadn’t gone to the casino right before the rent
was due. But now he’s gone and I’m stuck with it.”
“Well, there’s no sense worrying now about who did what. If you owe the
money, you’ll have to pay. It’ll only get worse if you don’t.”
“But, Nana, it’s not fair! It wasn’t my decision to take out those loans.”
“No, but you took in that loser. You might not have caused the problem, but it’s
your responsibility to fix it. I thought you’d saved some money.”
Crystal thought about the money she had managed to scrimp and save for a
car and her stomach dropped. She had worked so hard for that small amount
of money. How could she even think about spending it? “But that was for a
car so I could get a good job and get there on time, whether or not Joe’s car is
working,” she replied.
“Well, sweetheart, we all have to make choices. Sometimes none of them
seem that great, but we always have a choice.”
Credit
STOP
Put a
to
PAYDAY
LOANS
Payday loans allow people to get
cash with no credit or background
check. The interest rate is extremely
high, possibly more than 500
percent. This type of loan is legal;
however, lenders will often offer to roll your debt into
larger and larger loans. Payday lending is a quick trip
into an even bigger financial hole. Almost any other
solution to your cash crunch would be better in the
long run.
Credit is
a useful
tool–if you
maintain
good
credit.
Credit is
the ability
to borrow
money and
pay it back
later.
“Money Talks, but credit
has an echo.”
Bob Thaves
continued on pg. 13
Just say no
13
Crystal knew her grandmother was right. The next morning,
she went to the small building next to the grocery store with the
bright green sign that proclaimed CASH NOW. The place was
quiet, with only a few customers being helped by tellers. With a
deep breath, she walked over to an available teller and gave her
name.
“Says here you owe $1,500. Would you like to pay that now or
take out another loan to cover it?”
“Take out another loan?” Crystal asked, thinking of the car she
wanted to buy.
“Yes, ma’am. If you sign here, you can roll this debt into a new
loan and walk out with your cash in hand.”
Crystal’s mind began to race. She thought about how important
it would be to have a reliable car to get her to work. But then she
thought about her ex-boyfriend and all the trouble he’d caused.
“No, thank you,” she finally decided. “I want to take care of this
today.”
“Are you sure ma’am? I could offer you an additional $500 on top
of the $1,500!”
Crystal stood her ground. She wanted this to be over. She
wanted to start out on the right foot. If she saved $1,500 once,
she could save it again.
“No, thank you,” she repeated and handed him the cash. She
could tell he was disappointed, but when he handed her a
receipt, she just smiled and walked out the door.
Credit
Q: What’s a good credit score?
A: It varies, but generally a good credit
score is between 700-850.
Credit
Get
WiseAbout
There are ways to avoid the
situation Crystal found herself
in. Although payday loans can
be predatory, not all credit is
bad and it can be a useful
tool, if used properly. Here are
some tips to keep credit from
becoming a problem.
• Drop the “I’ll pay it off later” attitude.
• Pay on time and, if you can, pay in full each month.
• If you can’t pay in full, find extra money in your budget and
have a plan to pay off your purchases in a few months.
• Always make more than the monthly minimum payment.
• Keep credit limits low.
• Don’t max out your credit limit.
• If you’re struggling to pay, contact your creditor and keep
them informed.
continued from pg. 12
14 Credit
Check your credit report for mistakes. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com for your free, annual credit report.
Look over it carefully to be sure that all the information is correct.
Pay your bills on time and in full. Paying on time is the quickest and easiest way to improve and maintain
good credit score.
Focus on paying off debt. Paying off a bill is a great way to get an easy boost on your credit.
Don’t use all the credit available to you. Lenders look at the relationship between how much debt you have
and how much credit is available to you. It’s important to keep your debt level low.
Limit new credit. Opening new credit cards and lines of credit can look bad to a lender. Only apply for new credit when you really need it.
Don’t cancel your cards. Another factor of good credit is how long you’ve been using credit successfully. If you cancel a credit card that you’ve had
for a long time, your report may list you as a newer credit user, which can lower your credit score. Pay off your cards and keep your accounts open.
Maintaining
Your Credit
540
820
765
639
599
706
521
684
773
422
820
355
801
710
692
499
816
332
611
780642
Getting Out of Debt
• Stop the cycle! You won’t see an end to your debt if you don’t
put an end to your spending on credit.
• Identify why you spend. Spending money causes an
emotional response in our brains. Figure out why spending
makes you feel good and avoid situations that will cause you
to spend more.
• Learn to say “not right now.” Put thought into every purchase
and ask yourself if you really need each item you buy.
• Put your credit on ice. If you have trouble with spending, limit
access to your credit cards. Wrap a photo of your financial
goals around them or even freeze them in a block of ice!
• Ask for a lower interest rate. It never hurts ask. Contact your
credit card company today!
Need more help?
Consumer Credit
Counseling
Service of
Central
Oklahoma
405.789.2227
www.cccsok.org
National
Foundation
for Credit
Counseling
www.nfcc.org
15
Crystal couldn’t believe the day was finally here. Her fellow
students were a mass of black robes and gold tassels. It was
graduation day and Crystal marvelled at how far she’d come.
She looked over to the bleachers and beamed. Grandma Betty,
Uncle Joe and her kids, Michael, Sarah and Hannah were all
there to cheer her on.
And it was only the beginning. Now that she had a steady
job where they cared about her, treated her with respect and
gave her reasonable hours, she would be able to continue her
education and provide for her family.
She wasn’t making a lot more money than before. What
mattered was that she was making smart choices with her
money. She was paying attention, following a budget and
making her money work for her.
It would still be another few months before she had enough
money to buy a car, but the debt phone calls had finally
stopped. The money she earned could now go entirely to
support her family. And her kids were even beginning to
take part in managing the family finances. Michael started
to understand what it means to pay bills and make financial
choices. He even helped her check for the lowest prices at
the grocery store. Sarah and Hannah were learning, too; they
started coin jars to help them save for their future.
Life wasn’t perfect and they still struggled, but as Crystal walked
across the stage to take her diploma, she knew she was in
control and they were going to make it.
Success!
Empowerment
Don’t Dwell. We all make mistakes with our money.
Dwelling on those mistakes won’t get you ahead. Don’t waste
any more time beating yourself up or feeling guilty. Instead,
focus that energy into fixing the mistakes and making the
changes necessary to prevent them in the future.
Take Baby Steps. Change can be overwhelming. You
don’t have to try all the tips in this booklet in one day. Pick
one this month and give yourself time to practice it. Then try
another new tip next month and so on until you feel you’ve
made a positive change.
Try New Techniques. Managing money isn’t one-size-fits-
all. If you try something new and it doesn’t work, there’s
no reason to keep doing it. Talk to friends and family to see
how they handle things and keep trying until you find a money
management style that’s realistic and works for your family.
Don’t Give Up. You can make your money work for you.
Keep this booklet handy if you need a reminder and connect
with friends or family members that support your efforts to
build new habits and make changes.
Making a Change
Good luck!
Your Money Matters
Your money, Your Way
Resources
Oklahoma Money Matters
Visit the OKMM website for money management articles, modules, podcasts and more!
Oklahoma College Assistance Program
OCAP is a division of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education that helps students
prepare for college, get financial aid, learn about money management and successfully repay
student loans.
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
The State Regents are the coordinating board for Oklahoma public higher education. Visit their
website for information about colleges and universities, programs of study and getting a degree.
Reach Higher
Oklahoma’s flexible, affordable degree completion program for working adults who want to
finish their college degree from a state university.
Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission’s website offers materials to educate consumers about issues
ranging from credit to identity theft.
Oklahoma 2-1-1
Oklahoma 211 connects people with community resources and human services for everyday
needs and in times of crisis.
ReachHigher.org
OkHigherEd.org
OklahomaMoneyMatters.org
FTC.gov
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This publication, printed by Southwestern Stationers, is issued by the Oklahoma State Regents for
Higher Education, as authorized by 70 O.S. 2001, Section 3206. 4,000 copies have been printed at a
cost of approximately $1,968. Copies have been deposited with the Publications Clearinghouse of the
Oklahoma Department of Libraries. This publication was produced in May 2011.
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1
Your Money Matters
Your money, Your Way2
Welcome to Your Money, Your Way.
You deal with money every day–whether it’s paying bills or just
worrying about having enough. You already know what you should
be doing: budgeting, saving and using credit wisely. The question
is, how can you manage your money when it seems like you never
have money to manage?
We recognize there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But we can help
you build habits that take the guesswork, worry and stress out of
dealing with money. Taking control of your finances is about trying
new things and finding out what works for you.
In this booklet, you’ll follow the story of Crystal, a single mom with
three kids and plenty of worries. Crystal is a fictional character
but the challenges she faces are inspired by the stories we hear
everyday from real people. Join Crystal as she faces her challenges
and takes control of her finances. Along the way, check out the tips,
tricks and resources we’ve included to help you make the most of
what you have.
“The safest way to double your money
is to fold it over once and put it in your
pocket.”
Kin Hubbard
3
If there was such a thing as rock bottom, Crystal had found it at the age of
29. As she sat in the park watching her three children play, it seemed as
though she had no choices.
She could blame it on her husband leaving 10 years ago. She could blame
it on the boyfriend who left six months ago. She could blame it on the
economy, causing the manufacturing plant where she worked to close
down.
But really, it just felt like a lack of choices. Crystal thought that payday loans
were a good choice, but now her credit was so bad that she couldn’t buy a
car to get a job in the city.
She had tried to save money, but her month-to-month lease kept going up.
The kids always seemed to need something. Things were always breaking.
There had to be a better way, but Crystal couldn’t find it.
When her boyfriend left, he didn’t just take his things. He also left with her
Social Security number and what was left of her last paycheck.
So what choice did Crystal have? Creating a budget was a joke since there
wasn’t even anything to put in the income column.
But what if she did have choices? What if, at the end of the month, she could
move to the other side of town? From there, she could walk to the local
community college. She could apply for financial aid—they wouldn’t look at
her credit scores. Maybe Nana would watch the kids while she’s in class
and she could buy her books secondhand. She’d heard of people doing it.
Yes, even people with three children.
Suddenly, Crystal stood up from her park bench and hollered at her kids.
She marched them down the street toward their small, two bedroom rental.
She had some things to do. There were always choices, she thought. It’s not
always easy, but she always had choices.
Choices
Getting an Education
Crystal knows that having tough choices isn’t the
same as having no choices at all. One positive way
to improve a financial situation is to improve your
skills. The higher your level of education, the higher
your earning potential. Take a moment to imagine
your future.
What are some things you’d like to do if
money wasn’t an issue?
What skills do you already have that could
help you get there?
What additional skills do you need to help
you reach your goal?
Where could you learn those skills?
Need to finish a
degree? You have
choices, too! Check
out Reach Higher!
4
in threes
Normally, the fridge breaking down would’ve been a major disaster for Crystal.
But today, she was in a pretty good mood. After all, the kids were at grandma’s,
she had paid down some of her debts and managed to put away a little money.
Just enough, in fact, to pay for a new refrigerator.
Since she had saved nearly $700, Crystal was sure she could even afford an ice
maker. The salesman led her to the models in her price range and she picked a
shiny black one.
While she was filling out delivery paperwork, she told the salesman her fridge
had died and if she hadn’t saved her money, they would’ve lost a lot of food.
“Yep, same thing happened to me about six months ago,” the salesman said.
“Not long after, my pipes burst and then I got two flat tires. Bad things always
seem to happen in threes, don’t they?”
Crystal’s good mood began to fade. “Let’s hope not,” she replied.
The next day, the fridge arrived. Crystal was sure the kids would be excited but
when Sarah walked in the door, she couldn’t even muster a smile. Crystal knew
that look well. Sarah was sick. And that meant an expensive trip to the doctor.
By the time they returned home from the doctor, complete with prescriptions and
a strep throat diagnosis, Crystal had spent another $150. Since there was nothing
left in savings, this had to come from the money she had for rent.
As if that wasn’t enough, Crystal was running late for class when she realized
her bus pass was missing. That would cost her another $50. Suddenly, she
remembered what the salesman said. Everything happened in threes.
But what if all this had happened two months from now? That would be two
months of additional savings she would’ve had. She still would’ve had to spend
the money, but she would’ve been prepared.
Right then, Crystal vowed to save as much money as she could each month so
these types of emergencies wouldn’t be quite so stressful.
Practical Saving Tips
When the bills are piled up and you’re barely making
ends meet, saving might be the last thing on your
mind. Paying yourself first could be the solution you’re
looking for. Saving for emergencies can help you put
out fires without feeling like you’re getting burned.
Whether it’s $5 a week or $10 a month, every little bit
you can put away will help you build wealth and get
ahead. Remember, it’s still your money and if you
need it, it’ll be there for you.
Practical Saving Tips 5
• Visit FreeCycle.org to find good household, recreational and
children’s items for free!
• Drink more water; it’s cheaper than soda and better for you.
• Give gifts of time rather than money. You don’t have to
spend cash to show people you care.
• Make bill payments on time to avoid late fees – this is
great for your credit score, too!
• Avoid payday lending and cash advance
businesses.
• Visit resale stores like Salvation Army, Goodwill or
consignment shops. Not only can you find great
gently-used items, but some things are brand-new
with the tags still attached.
• Learn how to feed a family of four for only $30 per
week by visiting AngelFoodMinistries.com.
• Consider swapping items with your friends or family if
you want something new but don’t have the money.
What they’re tired of may be just what
you’d love to have.
Theft. Fires. Tornadoes. Losing money
is tough, especially when it’s your
savings. The only way to ensure your
money is safe is to put it in a bank.
If you don’t have a good relationship
with your bank, now is a great time
to start fixing it! Contact your
bank and let them help you
get back in good standing
so you can be sure your
money is protected.
How to
STRETCH
your dollar
“If you would be
wealthy, think of saving
as well as getting.”
Benjamin Franklin
Turn a hobby into cash! If
you have a natural talent for
baking, sewing, jewelry-making
or anything else that
could bring in extra money,
consider taking it to the next
level by turning it into a fun
way to increase your income.
6
Crystal’s son, Michael, struggled to focus on the math worksheets in front
of him. Crystal had asked Michael to keep an eye on his sisters while she
did the bills. The loud giggling and squealing of Hannah and Sarah was
enough to distract him from his homework. But that wasn’t all that he had
on his mind. At 13, hanging with his younger sisters wasn’t exactly Michael’s
favorite thing to do, but it gave Mom a break. Mom was much nicer if she got
a break.
Michael needed Crystal in a good mood, since he was planning to ask her
to sign his permission slip to go to the zoo with his class next month. The
permission slip was due next week, along with $20 he knew they couldn’t
afford. But he didn’t want to be left behind again.
With a sigh, Michael put down his pencil. Realizing that his math homework
would have to wait, he wandered into the kitchen to talk to his mom.
The kitchen table was barely visible through the pile of folded papers and
unopened envelopes. His mother was hunched over her calculator, with her
head in her hands.
“Mom?” he asked.
Crystal jumped and wiped her face. Michael heard her sniffle. “What is it,
Michael? You’re supposed to be watching your sisters.”
“They’re playing Barbies, or something. I have something to ask you—”
Michael stopped. Crystal’s eyes were red and puffy. “Mom, are you crying?”
Crystal smiled and shook her head. “It’s nothing, honey. It’s adult stuff. You
don’t need to worry about it. What do you need?”
Michael looked at the table piled with bills and shrugged. “Nevermind,” he
said and walked to the fridge for a Popsicle.
Kid Stuff
kids and Money
When times are tough, managing
the family budget is everyone’s
responsibility. As parents, our instinct
is to shield children from the family’s
financial struggles. By involving your
kids, you can help them build a sense
of responsibility and teach them how
to avoid making money mistakes.
“Children have never been
very good at listening to their
elders, but they have never
failed to imitate them.”
James Arthur Baldwin
continued on pg. 7
7
Later that afternoon, Crystal’s grandmother, Betty stopped by to
visit. Crystal could never hide her frustrations from Betty so while
the kids played, she confided in her.
“Nana, I don’t know what to do. Jack left me with nothing and I
can’t make ends meet.”
“Oh sweetie, we’ve all been there,” Betty said. “Sometimes life
comes at you. But you just gotta make the right decisions and
keep trying.”
“But how do I know how to make the right decisions?”
“What do you mean? Your mother could stretch a dollar with the
best of them. Didn’t you learn anything from her?”
Crystal shook her head. “No, Momma never really talked much
about money.”
Suddenly, Crystal remembered her earlier conversation with
Michael. Maybe it wasn’t just adult stuff. If her mother had taught
her about money when she was young, maybe she wouldn’t be
struggling now. And maybe she could show her kids a few things
to help them make the right decisions in their lives.
Crystal smiled. “Thanks, Nana! You’ve helped a bunch!”
Betty looked confused. “Well, glad I could help.”
kids and Money
Even young children can begin learning about the three uses for money. This activity is
a great way to interact with your children and help them start to think about money in
a positive way. Start by creating three jars and label them spend, save and share.
Spend
Share
Save
continued from pg 6
Open a
savings
account
starting
around
age 8
Toddlers
can begin
learning
to sort
coins
Make a list of savings goals with your
children and attach it to the jar.
Gather newspaper ads, catalogs and
magazines. Help the kids cut out images of
things they would like to spend money on and
things they would save for. Attach them to each
jar.
Talk about why we share our
money. When family members,
neighbors or church members
have a problem, how can we lend
a helping hand?
CC www.practicalmoneyskills.com/games
CC www.piggybank.disney.go.com
CC www.financialentertainment.org
CC www.orangekids.com
Online Money Games for Kids
8
Uncle Joe wasn’t always reliable, but if he could lend a hand, he’d sure try. So
for the past few months, Uncle Joe had agreed to take Crystal back and forth
from her classes at the local community college.
But today, Uncle Joe dropped the ball. He was supposed to pick Crystal up at
9:30 this morning and by the time she realized he wasn’t going to show, it was
too late to walk to her 10 o’clock class.
Furious, Crystal gave up on going to class and stormed over to Joe’s house
instead. She found him in the kitchen with her grandmother, Betty.
“Uncle Joe! What are you doing? You were supposed to come get me an hour
ago!”
“Sorry, pumpkin,” Joe said with a shrug. “Car’s dead.”
Crystal threw her hands in the air. “Dead? What do you mean dead?”
“Dead. As in a doornail,” Joe replied.
“So, what are you going to do to fix it?”
Joe shrugged again and took a swig of iced tea. “I don’t know.”
Frustrated, Crystal’s voice began to rise. “You don’t know? How am I going to
get to school?”
“I don’t know.”
“Do you have the money to get it fixed?”
“I don’t know.”
She sighed. “Well, maybe I can help with the cost. Do you have any money
coming in soon?”
“I don’t know.”
“Well, what do you know?”
“Car’s dead.”
I Don’t Know Budgeting
Budget
Dirty
isn’t a
Word
How much do you spend on:
soda?
entertainment?
cigarettes?
eating out?
Are your current spending habits lining up with the
spending priorities you listed above?
Now consider where you spend your money.
A budget isn’t meant to stop us from spending on
the items we enjoy. It allows us to make sure we
spend with our goals in mind.
Name your top three spending priorities:
Budgeting 9
If you zone out when you hear the word budget – don’t! Budgets don’t have to
be scary, boring or limiting. Budgeting is just spending your money on paper so
you can see where it’s going and make sure it’s doing what you need it to do!
Know what you’re working with. Figure out exactly how much money is
coming in every month.
Know what’s going out. Write down all your expenses. Don’t forget about
bills that might not be paid monthly, like insurance.
Check your priorities. If you can’t pay for everything, decide what needs
to come first. Are diapers more important than cable? Does gas money
trump cell phone coverage?
There’s more than one way to budget. If working with a paper budget isn’t your thing, consider trying
envelope system. Label envelopes for rent, utilities, eating out, etc. When your paycheck comes in, divide
the cash into the appropriate envelopes. Track your spending, just like you would before starting a paper
budget so you know approximately how much to put in each envelope.
Using envelopes allows you to see at a glance how much money you have. If
you’re going to use this method, you’ll want to protect your cash. Keep your
envelopes in a lock box, available at most stores for around $30.
Some people use envelopes just for the expenses that change every
month, like electric bills, food and fuel. Others, use envelopes for
those spending categories that have a tendancy to get out of hand.
Just remember, when the money’s gone, the money’s gone!
If you’ve got more
expenses than income,
you’ll need to get
creative about where
to cut back. Love
movies? Borrow them
from the library
instead of going to
the theatre.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Visit OklahomaMoneyMatters.org and click on
Financial Planning to print a sample budget.
10 Identity Theft
Crystal stormed into her grandmother’s house where Betty sat with Michael,
Hannah and Sarah. Crystal ordered the kids to go outside and play.
When the kids were out of the room, Crystal blurted, “It’s my dad. He stole my
Social Security number!”
Betty’s mouth dropped. “When? Do you know where he is?”
Crystal shook her head. “No, he did it years ago, when I was just a kid.”
Betty looked confused. Crystal sat down and began to explain. “I just
stopped at that car dealership on the corner. I thought maybe I could finance
a cheap, used car to help me get to class. When they pulled my credit report,
they found collections and charge-offs from the electric company and gas
company. I assumed it was from when Brian used my information a few
years ago.”
“So what does that have to do with your dad?” Betty asked.
“Those charge-offs were from more than 10 years ago, before I turned 18.
It had to be Dad. After he was done ruining his credit and Mom’s credit, he
must’ve started using mine. I had no idea.”
Betty shook her head. “What can you do about it?”
“Not much, unless I file a police report. And I’m just not sure I can do that. I
may not like him, but he’s my father. I don’t want him to go to jail.”
“That just ain’t right,” Betty said. “You shouldn’t have to pay for your father’s
mistakes.”
continued on pg. 11
Mistakes
According to the Federal Trade Commission, most
instances of identity theft are committed by strangers. But
6 percent of identity theft cases involve a friend or family
member. As in Crystal’s case, this makes it difficult to take
the neccessary steps to clean up your credit record. Here
are a few tips to help you prevent identity theft.
Stay Organized. Keep all your bills and
important documents in a lockable drawer or
safe.
Guard your SSN. We all want to trust the
people closest to us. But think carefully about
sharing your Social Security number with
anyone that’s not legally bound to help you pay
off debts.
Check your Credit. In the next few pages,
we’ll show you how to keep tabs on your credit
report to make sure you’re not paying for
somoene else’s mistakes.
Don’t
with your
Gamble
Identity
Identity Theft 11
Crystal nodded. “But now that I know that it can happen I’m going
to make sure it doesn’t happen to my kids.”
“How?” Betty asked.
Crystal slid a brochure across the table to her grandmother. The
title of the booklet read, ‘Ordering a Child’s Credit Report.’ “All I
have to do is write to these three credit reporting agencies with
their name, Social Security number and my name, address and
relationship to the child and they can do a search for any credit
activity. They’ll mail it right to me. If I find something, I can file a
police report and dispute it.
Betty nodded. “Good job, sweetheart. Don’t let this drop. I don’t
want them starting out in life with bad credit.”
Crystal smiled. “They won’t, Nana.”
continued from pg. 10 Victims
spend an
average of
300 hours
resolving
ID Theft.
That’s like
working a
full-time
job for 7.5
weeks.
What should you do if you believe someone has used your
information in a fraudulent or criminal way? Take these steps to get
your credit back on track.
Place a fraud alert on your credit
Contact one of the three credit reporting agencies and place a
temporary fraud alert on your credit. The agency you contact is
required to notify the other two agencies. This alert will last 90 days.
Once you place the alert, you’re entitled to order free
copies of your credit reports. Review them carefully
and make a list of any transactions you did not
initiate.
File a police report
A police report entitles you to:
• a 7-year fraud alert,
• a credit freeze,
• have inaccurate or fraudulent information
blocked from your credit report, and
• receive a copy of all application and
transaction records on accounts opened fraudulently in
your name.
Close Accounts and Change Passwords
Begin contacting banks, credit cards and businesses to close
accounts you believe have been tampered with. Change
passwords or personal identification numbers, and if
necessary, open new accounts. Speak to someone in the
security or fraud department of each company and keep a
detailed log in a spiral bound notebook of all phone calls
you receive or make, including dates, times and names,
titles and badge numbers of anyone you speak with.
Identity
Take
Back
Your
12
For Crystal, things seemed to be looking up. She was almost finished with
her associate degree in veterinary science which would allow her to become
a veterinary technician. She already had her resume in at several veterinary
offices near her house. She had also managed to save up enough money for a
down payment on a car.
Crystal was sharing these positive achievements with her grandmother over
coffee one afternoon when the phone rang. As Crystal talked, Betty watched
her granddaughter’s face fall, her voice grow thin and her hand curl into a fist.
When the conversation ended, she slammed the phone onto the hook and sat
back down at the table.
“What is it, Crystal?” Grandma Betty asked.
“It’s them again, Nana,” Crystal said, fighting back tears. “They say if I don’t pay
these debts, I’m going to collections. They say I owe them $1,500. We wouldn’t
have borrowed the money if HE hadn’t gone to the casino right before the rent
was due. But now he’s gone and I’m stuck with it.”
“Well, there’s no sense worrying now about who did what. If you owe the
money, you’ll have to pay. It’ll only get worse if you don’t.”
“But, Nana, it’s not fair! It wasn’t my decision to take out those loans.”
“No, but you took in that loser. You might not have caused the problem, but it’s
your responsibility to fix it. I thought you’d saved some money.”
Crystal thought about the money she had managed to scrimp and save for a
car and her stomach dropped. She had worked so hard for that small amount
of money. How could she even think about spending it? “But that was for a
car so I could get a good job and get there on time, whether or not Joe’s car is
working,” she replied.
“Well, sweetheart, we all have to make choices. Sometimes none of them
seem that great, but we always have a choice.”
Credit
STOP
Put a
to
PAYDAY
LOANS
Payday loans allow people to get
cash with no credit or background
check. The interest rate is extremely
high, possibly more than 500
percent. This type of loan is legal;
however, lenders will often offer to roll your debt into
larger and larger loans. Payday lending is a quick trip
into an even bigger financial hole. Almost any other
solution to your cash crunch would be better in the
long run.
Credit is
a useful
tool–if you
maintain
good
credit.
Credit is
the ability
to borrow
money and
pay it back
later.
“Money Talks, but credit
has an echo.”
Bob Thaves
continued on pg. 13
Just say no
13
Crystal knew her grandmother was right. The next morning,
she went to the small building next to the grocery store with the
bright green sign that proclaimed CASH NOW. The place was
quiet, with only a few customers being helped by tellers. With a
deep breath, she walked over to an available teller and gave her
name.
“Says here you owe $1,500. Would you like to pay that now or
take out another loan to cover it?”
“Take out another loan?” Crystal asked, thinking of the car she
wanted to buy.
“Yes, ma’am. If you sign here, you can roll this debt into a new
loan and walk out with your cash in hand.”
Crystal’s mind began to race. She thought about how important
it would be to have a reliable car to get her to work. But then she
thought about her ex-boyfriend and all the trouble he’d caused.
“No, thank you,” she finally decided. “I want to take care of this
today.”
“Are you sure ma’am? I could offer you an additional $500 on top
of the $1,500!”
Crystal stood her ground. She wanted this to be over. She
wanted to start out on the right foot. If she saved $1,500 once,
she could save it again.
“No, thank you,” she repeated and handed him the cash. She
could tell he was disappointed, but when he handed her a
receipt, she just smiled and walked out the door.
Credit
Q: What’s a good credit score?
A: It varies, but generally a good credit
score is between 700-850.
Credit
Get
WiseAbout
There are ways to avoid the
situation Crystal found herself
in. Although payday loans can
be predatory, not all credit is
bad and it can be a useful
tool, if used properly. Here are
some tips to keep credit from
becoming a problem.
• Drop the “I’ll pay it off later” attitude.
• Pay on time and, if you can, pay in full each month.
• If you can’t pay in full, find extra money in your budget and
have a plan to pay off your purchases in a few months.
• Always make more than the monthly minimum payment.
• Keep credit limits low.
• Don’t max out your credit limit.
• If you’re struggling to pay, contact your creditor and keep
them informed.
continued from pg. 12
14 Credit
Check your credit report for mistakes. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com for your free, annual credit report.
Look over it carefully to be sure that all the information is correct.
Pay your bills on time and in full. Paying on time is the quickest and easiest way to improve and maintain
good credit score.
Focus on paying off debt. Paying off a bill is a great way to get an easy boost on your credit.
Don’t use all the credit available to you. Lenders look at the relationship between how much debt you have
and how much credit is available to you. It’s important to keep your debt level low.
Limit new credit. Opening new credit cards and lines of credit can look bad to a lender. Only apply for new credit when you really need it.
Don’t cancel your cards. Another factor of good credit is how long you’ve been using credit successfully. If you cancel a credit card that you’ve had
for a long time, your report may list you as a newer credit user, which can lower your credit score. Pay off your cards and keep your accounts open.
Maintaining
Your Credit
540
820
765
639
599
706
521
684
773
422
820
355
801
710
692
499
816
332
611
780642
Getting Out of Debt
• Stop the cycle! You won’t see an end to your debt if you don’t
put an end to your spending on credit.
• Identify why you spend. Spending money causes an
emotional response in our brains. Figure out why spending
makes you feel good and avoid situations that will cause you
to spend more.
• Learn to say “not right now.” Put thought into every purchase
and ask yourself if you really need each item you buy.
• Put your credit on ice. If you have trouble with spending, limit
access to your credit cards. Wrap a photo of your financial
goals around them or even freeze them in a block of ice!
• Ask for a lower interest rate. It never hurts ask. Contact your
credit card company today!
Need more help?
Consumer Credit
Counseling
Service of
Central
Oklahoma
405.789.2227
www.cccsok.org
National
Foundation
for Credit
Counseling
www.nfcc.org
15
Crystal couldn’t believe the day was finally here. Her fellow
students were a mass of black robes and gold tassels. It was
graduation day and Crystal marvelled at how far she’d come.
She looked over to the bleachers and beamed. Grandma Betty,
Uncle Joe and her kids, Michael, Sarah and Hannah were all
there to cheer her on.
And it was only the beginning. Now that she had a steady
job where they cared about her, treated her with respect and
gave her reasonable hours, she would be able to continue her
education and provide for her family.
She wasn’t making a lot more money than before. What
mattered was that she was making smart choices with her
money. She was paying attention, following a budget and
making her money work for her.
It would still be another few months before she had enough
money to buy a car, but the debt phone calls had finally
stopped. The money she earned could now go entirely to
support her family. And her kids were even beginning to
take part in managing the family finances. Michael started
to understand what it means to pay bills and make financial
choices. He even helped her check for the lowest prices at
the grocery store. Sarah and Hannah were learning, too; they
started coin jars to help them save for their future.
Life wasn’t perfect and they still struggled, but as Crystal walked
across the stage to take her diploma, she knew she was in
control and they were going to make it.
Success!
Empowerment
Don’t Dwell. We all make mistakes with our money.
Dwelling on those mistakes won’t get you ahead. Don’t waste
any more time beating yourself up or feeling guilty. Instead,
focus that energy into fixing the mistakes and making the
changes necessary to prevent them in the future.
Take Baby Steps. Change can be overwhelming. You
don’t have to try all the tips in this booklet in one day. Pick
one this month and give yourself time to practice it. Then try
another new tip next month and so on until you feel you’ve
made a positive change.
Try New Techniques. Managing money isn’t one-size-fits-
all. If you try something new and it doesn’t work, there’s
no reason to keep doing it. Talk to friends and family to see
how they handle things and keep trying until you find a money
management style that’s realistic and works for your family.
Don’t Give Up. You can make your money work for you.
Keep this booklet handy if you need a reminder and connect
with friends or family members that support your efforts to
build new habits and make changes.
Making a Change
Good luck!
Your Money Matters
Your money, Your Way
Resources
Oklahoma Money Matters
Visit the OKMM website for money management articles, modules, podcasts and more!
Oklahoma College Assistance Program
OCAP is a division of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education that helps students
prepare for college, get financial aid, learn about money management and successfully repay
student loans.
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
The State Regents are the coordinating board for Oklahoma public higher education. Visit their
website for information about colleges and universities, programs of study and getting a degree.
Reach Higher
Oklahoma’s flexible, affordable degree completion program for working adults who want to
finish their college degree from a state university.
Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission’s website offers materials to educate consumers about issues
ranging from credit to identity theft.
Oklahoma 2-1-1
Oklahoma 211 connects people with community resources and human services for everyday
needs and in times of crisis.
ReachHigher.org
OkHigherEd.org
OklahomaMoneyMatters.org
FTC.gov
211Oklahoma.org
OCAP.org
This publication, printed by Southwestern Stationers, is issued by the Oklahoma State Regents for
Higher Education, as authorized by 70 O.S. 2001, Section 3206. 4,000 copies have been printed at a
cost of approximately $1,968. Copies have been deposited with the Publications Clearinghouse of the
Oklahoma Department of Libraries. This publication was produced in May 2011.
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